I've spent 1/2 of my budget, and the numbers are stabilized such that I can report results. The basic question is, do LinkedIn Member Ads work? My answer, a qualified "yes". Very early on in my experiment I was contacted by an individual who had clicked through to my site, NorthstarNerd.Org. This person was kind enough to let me know my url was misspelled. This example and others lead me to believe I have made contact with viewers, and enhanced knowledge of my site. However, if you look at either of the images given below, I think you'll note two things: (click images to view expanded)

1. My two advertisements that received clickthroughs were somewhat "off the wall" in terms of the headlines / message. My top ad receiving clicks was:
   • Headline: Dr. Seuss Would be Proud!
   • Copy: I do not like Android here or there, I do not like Android anywhere?!
   • Link: http://www.NorthstarNerd.org/
2. Look at the placement of where LinkedIn advertisements appear on one's profile. The ads are quite easy to ignore. Perhaps this is why it took the more unusual "copy" to attract a click. You decide, and then determine what might work for your campaign. However, remember that you never pay for viewing, just clickthroughs.

Original blog post defining the experiment.

I need your support … one tiny click. Become my fan on Facebook!

As some of you know, I've been blogging for almost ten years. During that time I've never taken a dime for my efforts, or hosted any advertisements on NorthstarNerd.Org. My goal is to provide value in my knowledge domain by reviewing web content with a technology focus. A few of my efforts have included:

• Creating and Running the Collaboration Council
• Engineering College Search 2.0
• Engineering Learning Portal
• Lego Robotics
• Run for China (3 schools built)
• Ski Cam Man

And my latest effort, Android for the Business User.

Please let me know you support my efforts, and the fact that knowledge should be free. See the right hand margin immediately to the right of this post … click and become a Facebook Fan! Thank you.

Welcome to …

• News from the North
• One Nerd & Android
• Dr. Seuss Would be Proud
• Northstar Nerd News

In short, welcome to the Northstar Nerd's test of targeting LinkedIn advertising. Back in March I posted about how enthused I with the prospects of targeted LinkedIn ads (see post). You can watch my tutorial which demonstrates the power of demographics and targeted advertisements. While Google AdWords is great, I believe targeted advertisements based upon demographics are much better.

This morning a free offer from LinkedIn arrived which granted me a $100 coupon to try their advertisement service. My four earlier bullets are my campaign options which will be selectively applied. Click upon either image given below to expand and learn more, but basically LinkedIn will ultimately apply the advertisement which nets the best clickthrough yields. I will blog my results. Each advertisement links back to my blog, NorthstarNerd.Org.

My campaign basics …

My actual ad placement options…

Over the weeks and months to come, you'll see more mobile content hosted on NorthstarNerd.Org. For the moment, my first effort is to bring online my first site formatted for mobile devices. Thus, you now may read Northstar Nerd posts more easily on your mobile phone.

Recently I installed the Android smartphone apps for LinkedIn and Yammer.

Consider how often you post updates, particularly if you link to your Twitter feed. I've confirmed that if one hides LinkedIn updates via the web interface from friends who have an excessive number of updates, that action transfers over to the Android app. Value = Friends Who Filter!

While I may choose to stay "friends" with you, your voice will not be heard.